Pat Upton
Ceist:18 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for the Marine the total amount of money spent on research on fish stock assessment by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3917/95]
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fish Stock Assessment Expenditure.
In 1994 expenditure on fish stock assessment amounted to £1.218 million. The provision in the Department's 1995 Estimate for fish stock assessment has been increased by 16 per cent to £1.413 million.Monitoring of the fish stock resources in the seas around Ireland is essential to ongoing fisheries management both at EU and national level.
In 1994, the fish stock assessment programme concentrated on assessing the size of the different fish stocks which are subject to EU quota regulation. In particular research work focused on mackerel, herring, cod, haddock, whiting, plaice, sole, hake, megrim, monkfish and nephrops in Irish waters. For non-quota species, research work was concentrated on tuna, deep water species, eels and whelks.
In addition to Exchequer funding of fish stock assessment research work, the Department is endeavouring to secure the greatest possible assistance from EU funding programmes to augment national expenditure.
The 1995 research programme for fish stocks will build on the species coverage in the 1994 programme and the existing stock database to inform fishery management decisions.
Does the Minister consider that the level of expenditure on research in this area is adequate? Does he envisage greater expenditure, as a percentage of the total value of the catch, in the future? Will he agree that increased expenditure is essential if we are to be properly equipped to manage and exploit our fish stocks?
There are obvious Exchequer constraints on the scale of resources which can be deployed for fish stock assessment work. As a first step the Government has strengthened the budgetary allocation for 1995 and the Department is seeking to maximise potential funding from EU sources. I will be reviewing the stock assessment programmes prepared for 1995 to ensure work is prioritised and provides the best value for moneys expended. The commitment of resources to marine research generally is increasing. In addition to the 16 per cent to which I referred in respect of fish stock assessment, there has been a substantial increase in the allocation to the Marine Institute this year. In the operational programme for fisheries launched yesterday there is a provision in excess of £8 million for research.
Will the Minister indicate how that level of expenditure compares with that made by our international competitors?
I do not have those comparative figures, but I can arrange to supply them to the Deputy.
(Wexford): Is the Minister happy about the numerous national institutions involved in marine research? I understand there are approximately 30 such institutions. Does he consider they should be rationalised and that the proposed Marine Institute should be given a more developmental role in this area?
The Marine Institute is in existence and has a statutory function to promote and co-ordinate research work in the marine area. It is not confined to research of fish stocks but also deals with marine technology, engineering and so on. The Minister and I met with the chairperson and director of the Marine Institute recently to discuss the institute's programme. I have had discussions also with the director of the Fisheries Research Centre and I intend to visit the centre within the next few weeks. I plan to visit the Salmon Research Agency at the end of this week. Given the increased commitment to expenditure on marine research, one of our concerns is to ensure we get the best value for money and have the greatest degree of co-ordination possible of the entire research effort.